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Cecchetti
Teachers Association
Sunday 25th November 2001 saw the second of the bi-annual meetings of
the CTA at The Place, London.
The
day began with David Yow, former principal dancer with Birmingham Royal
Ballet now teaching at the Laban Centre and studying psychology at Goldsmiths
College. He presented an immensely informative talk on memory and learning
- a vital part of everyday life, but also as a dancer, to have the ability
to pick up and remember enchaînements. David explained that imagery
which already plays a big part in ballet classes combined with music
and rhymes can help children remember exercises. This opened up a very
interesting discussion on how we as teachers need to approach teaching
from different angles to help each individual to work and achieve best
results. For example, some children will learn through visual instruction,
some verbal and some through emotional instruction.
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Lecturer:
David Yow |
He
continued to point out that the most fundamental lesson to learn was
that teaching is not a 'one way street'. Class interaction is important
to help individuals find their own way of remembering and we as teachers
must try to recognise their problems and thus avoid the 'panic stage'
that often occurs before exams. David's lighthearted but communicative
delivery was most enjoyable and inspiring, which made us re-assess and
consider new ways of working with our students.
After
lunch we donned leotards for Gillian Robinson's practical session on
repertoire for the classroom. We learnt three delightful dances from
Coppélia and Gillian was able to relate aspects of learning that
we had covered in the morning with David Yow. Our brains had no problem
remembering the moves but our poor overworked bodies began to feel the
strain!
We
all had a wonderful day but felt that more Cecchetti teachers would
benefit from these worthwhile courses. Many thanks go to Diana Cremona
and Alison Dos Santos for arranging the event and we were very grateful
to have Linda Pilkington, Cara Drower and Gillian Robinson present.
Nichola
Tawn
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